Costa Rica’s Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia Hospital issued an urgent appeal Thursday for donations of O negative blood, citing critically low reserves. The call comes as the hospital struggles to meet the needs of patients requiring this specific blood type, which is essential for individuals with immune systems that react adversely to other blood antigens.
Dr. Andrea Aguilar, acting head of the hospital’s blood bank, explained the severity of the situation. “We are coordinating with other hospitals to request units of this blood type, as You’ll see patients who can only receive these components. Their immune system would react to any different antigen, which could cause a severe transfusion reaction,” she stated, according to a report from crhoy.com.
The hospital’s blood bank is open Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. To 5:30 p.m., Friday from 6:30 a.m. To 4:30 p.m., and on weekends from 7:00 a.m. To 7:00 p.m. No prior appointment is necessary for donations.
Donors are required to present valid identification, and are advised not to donate on an empty stomach, but to remain well-hydrated before and after the donation process. Specific eligibility requirements include being between the ages of 18 and 65, weighing at least 52 kilograms (approximately 115 pounds), and measuring over 1.50 meters (approximately 4 feet, 11 inches). Individuals must also be in good general health.
Restrictions apply to those with tattoos, piercings, or micropigmentation, which must be at least six months ancient. Potential donors are also ineligible if they have any infectious diseases, have experienced flu-like symptoms in the past month, have taken antibiotics in the last 15 days, or have undergone surgery in the last six months. Adequate sleep the night before donation is also recommended.
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) echoed the hospital’s concerns, emphasizing the need to replenish blood reserves for patients dependent on O negative blood. The urgency of the situation was also highlighted on social media platforms, including Instagram, by accounts such as delfinocrc.
